Obituary of Spencer V. Wissinger, III

Spencer V. Wissinger III passed away on March 13 from internal complications at Mt. Sinai Hospital.  He was born in Glen Ridge, NJ, to Esther and Dr. Wissinger in 1941. He had been a Bernardsville resident since 1971.

Spencer had a long and satisfying profession as a Certified Public Accountant along with his firm partner David O. Fischer.  He greatly enjoyed the outdoors and spending time on his land in Bigfork, Montana, where he managed and worked on his Forest Stewardship Project since the 70’s.  Important pastimes for him were hiking in Glacier Park and observing nature everywhere. Some of Spencer’s leisure activities were playing chess, solving all kinds of puzzles, board games, and reading nonfiction.

Spencer enjoyed being with and helping people.  He was a 43-year member of Kiwanis-an international service organization- and belonged to both the Kiwanis Club of Bernardsville and to the Kiwanis Club of Morristown. He served as treasurer of the Morristown Club for 42 years, worked on many fundraisers and was involved in the granting of scholarships.

He was a member of the Morris and Sussex Counties Ethics Committee and went on to serve on the Supreme Court’s Disciplinary Review Board from 1999 until 2013 and then the Disciplinary Oversight Committee up to his passing. Having the best legal system possible was of great importance to him.

Spencer much loved being with family and was much loved in return.

He was pre-deceased by his parents whom he cherished; his mother-in-law Joyce Wood for whom he provided loving care; and his brother-in-law Sam Wood, for whom he had great affection.

He leaves behind Johanna Wissinger, his loving wife of 52 years, his sister and brother-in-law Barbara and John Lutton, uncle-in-law Steve Sgourakis and many wonderful nieces, grandnieces, grandnephews, and cousins.  

Spencer was known by his family and many friends for his kindness, generosity, and his great sense of humor.

Memorial arrangements will be by Bailey Funeral Home in Mendham, 8 Hilltop Rd., 07945.   Viewing will be from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 28. The funeral will be on Friday, March 29: doors will open beginning at 9:30 a.m. with a Celebration of Life service starting at 10:00 a.m.  Interment will be at Flower Hill Cemetery in North Bergen at 5433 Kennedy BLV. (tel. 201 841-0454).

In lieu of flowers, those who wish may donate to the Visiting Nurse Association of Somerset Hill, 200 Mt. Airy Road, Basking Ridge, N.J. 07920.